How to Support Animal Charities During the Holidays

1. Donate Supplies to Animal Shelters and Rescues

Many shelters rely on donations to care for the animals they look after. Donating essential supplies can make a huge difference.

Items like pet food, blankets, toys, cleaning supplies, and beds are often in high demand.

Contact local shelters to ask what they need most, or check their website for wish lists. Some rescues also have Amazon wish lists, making it easy to order and ship supplies directly.

2. Volunteer Your Time

Volunteering is a hands-on way to help and is especially needed during the holiday season. Shelters often need extra hands for dog walking, cleaning, socialising animals, and assisting with events.

Reach out to local shelters and rescues to ask about volunteer opportunities. Many have short-term or seasonal volunteer programs, perfect for those with busy schedules.

3. Host a Holiday Fundraiser for a Pet Charity

Fundraisers are a powerful way to raise money and awareness. Host a holiday-themed fundraiser to engage friends and family in supporting animals in need.

Some ideas include:

Online Donation Drive: Set up a fundraiser on social media or through platforms like GoFundMe or Facebook, where you can dedicate your campaign to a specific rescue.

Holiday Bake Sale or Craft Sale: Host a holiday bake sale or sell handmade crafts, donating proceeds to a pet charity.

Gift-Wrapping Event: Partner with a local store or offer to wrap gifts for donations, then give the funds to your chosen charity.

4. Foster Over the Holidays

The holidays are a wonderful time to bring a pet into your life, and adopting a shelter animal gives them a forever home. However, for those not ready for adoption, fostering provides a temporary home and can help reduce shelter overcrowding.

Check with local shelters for holiday fostering programs. Many shelters need short-term fosters during the holidays, allowing dogs or cats to spend time out of the shelter.

Fostering over the holidays can be a rewarding way to give back, and who knows, you may even find a new family member in the process!

5. Sponsor a Shelter Animal for the Holidays

Sponsoring a pet allows you to cover the costs of their care, like food, medical treatment, and shelter. Many rescues offer sponsorship programs that can be a meaningful way to support a specific animal.

Look on shelter websites for sponsorship options. Some charities allow you to choose a specific animal to sponsor, making it a wonderful gift option for pet-loving friends and family.

Give the gift of a sponsorship to someone else by donating in their name, and the charity will often send updates on the sponsored animal’s progress.

6. Shop from Businesses that Give Back to Pet Charities

During the holidays, many companies donate a portion of their profits to animal charities. Purchasing gifts from these businesses supports animals in need while crossing items off your holiday list.

Look for brands with “gives back” programs or shop through charity-focused sites like. Many pet product brands run special campaigns in which a percentage of sales goes to pet charities.

Some companies also allow customers to donate at checkout, offering an easy way to give while holiday shopping.

7. Organise a Pet Food Drive

Pet food drives help collect food for both shelter animals and pets in need within the community. Many families rely on donated pet food to keep their pets fed, especially during difficult times.

Set up a collection area at work, school, or your community centre, and invite people to drop off pet food, treats, and other essentials. Coordinate with local shelters or food banks for donation drop-offs.

Contact local pet stores to see if they’ll support the drive by promoting it or donating food themselves.

8. Donate Your Skills or Services to Pet Charities

Offering your professional skills to charities can be just as valuable as monetary donations. Many organisations rely on volunteers with specialised skills.

Examples of Skills to Donate:

Photography: Take professional photos of adoptable animals to increase their chances of finding a home.

Marketing and Social Media: Help with campaigns, manage social media accounts, or create content to boost adoption and fundraising efforts.

Event Planning: Assist with organising adoption events, fundraisers, or holiday gatherings that bring the community together.

Reach out to shelters or rescues to see how your skills might benefit them, even if it’s for a one-time holiday project.

9. Participate in “Giving Tuesday” for Pet Charities

Giving Tuesday, celebrated on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving (this year it is December 3), is a global day of giving. Many pet charities participate, offering a perfect opportunity to make a holiday contribution.

Visit charity websites or their social media pages for donation links. Many organisations offer matching donations on Giving Tuesday, allowing your gift to go twice as far.

Share your contribution on social media to inspire friends and family to join the movement and donate as well.

10. Gift Donations in Someone’s Name

Instead of traditional gifts, consider donating to a pet charity in honor of a friend or family member. It’s a thoughtful way to give back and celebrate the spirit of the season.

Many charities offer certificates or digital acknowledgments that you can personalise and share with the recipient.

Choose a charity close to the recipient’s heart or adopt an animal in their name, making it a special and meaningful gift.

11. Attend or Support Local Shelter Events

During the holidays, shelters often host events like pet photos with Santa, adoption fairs, or holiday fundraisers. Attending these events provides financial support and helps spread awareness.

Follow local shelters on social media to stay updated on holiday events. Even if you can’t attend, consider donating or sharing event details to help raise awareness.

Some events offer merchandise sales, with proceeds going directly to the shelter. It’s a great way to find unique gifts while supporting a cause.